A Rummage In The Bargain Bins - October '73

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Singles that were released in October 1973 but failed to enter the UK charts...

01 Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band - Intro & Outro (United Artists UP35602)

Originally formed in 1962, but didn’t release their debut album until 1967. By 1970 the Bonzo’s had split up, but got together again in 1972 for a contractual obligation LP. It was probably because of Vivian Stanshall’s recent appearances on the soundtrack of “That’ll Be The Day” and Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” that led to UA releasing this obscure b- side track as a single in it’s own right this year.

02 Yellowstone & Voice - Well Hello (EMI 2074)

“Well Helo” had already been released in January, but EMI obviously thought it was worth another go when they released it again just nine months later. The UK duo featured the ‘talents’ of singers/guitarists Peter Papini (aka Peter Yellowstone)
and Steve Voice. Peter had been a writer for other artists in Italy.

03 Steve Miller Band - The Joker (Capitol CL15765)

Surely a big hit? But no, not in the UK on first release. Here it failed to enter the UK chart, despite it’s chart topping position Stateside. It took until 1990 before it was used in a Levi’s commercial before the song achieved the same status in the UK.

04 Can - Moonshake (UP35596)

Can were a German Prog/Rock band formed in 1968 by Holger Czukay. Taken from their fifth album “Future Days” which was 8^th in the Rolling Stone list of 50 Greatest Prog Rock Albums of All Time, Moonshake was one of only four tracks on the album, and the only one with a running time of less than 8 minutes!

05 Hudson Ford - Take It Back (A&M AMS7088)

John Hudson and Richard Ford had left the Strawbs, and had had a hit earlier in the year with ‘Pick Up The Pieces’. Unfortunately, this, the follow up, failed to chart, but their next single ‘Burn Baby Burn’ in 1974, did see them back in the charts. However they were not to be seen inside the Top 20 again until 1979 after re-calling themselves The Monks and releasing the novelty hit “Nice Legs, Shame About The Face”.

06 Goodies - All Things Bright And Beautiful (Decca F13449)

Before their huge string of hits in the 70s, TV’s The Goodies released this version of the well known hymn in a ‘glam rock’ style! – church would never be the same again!

07 Wild Angels - Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet (Decca F13456)

The Wild Angels were Gene Vincent’s backing band during his UK 1969 comeback tour. They released three track single of songs from the new hit musical that was currently showing on the London stage ‘Grease’ starring Richard Gere. “Greased Lightning”/” Born To Hand-Jive”/ “Beauty School Dropout” failed to chart, as did the follow up, “Clap Your Hands…” (their last vinyl single release). But the band are still touring and released a new album in 2013.

08 Carl Wayne - You're A Star (Pye 7N45290)

Carl Wayne had been in the 60s group The Vikings before forming The Move. In the late 60s he left to go solo, and released several singles before being asked to perform the theme tune to the TV talent show “New Faces”. Although lacking in chart success, he did marry ‘Miss Diane’ (actress Susan Hanson) from “Crossroads”, and enjoyed a long career in music before his death in 2004.

09 Roy Castle - Record Breaker (BBC RESL14)

Despite many recordings, Roy Castle’s only chart hit was his 1960 Chritsmas novelty song “Little White Berry” which got to number 40. The theme song to his hit TV show ‘Record Breakers’, backed with the other song featured in the show “Dedication” came close, but still didn’t quite make it.

10 Ray Martin And His Orchestra - The Big Match (La Soiree) (Decca F13455)

“La Soiree” was the third of six theme tunes to be used for the BBC’s flagship football programme that had been running since 1968. Composed by David Ordini, the track became one of the first recorded by orchestra leader Ray Martin on his return to the UK after having spent many years in the US composing and arranging film and TV soundtracks of his own.

11 Smacka Fitzgibbon - The Adventures Of Barry McKenzie (Bell 1312)

Soundtrack to the film of the same name, McKenzie started life as a character created by Barry Humphries for Private Eye magazine. Played by Barry Crocker in the film, it also starred Peter Cook, Spike Milligan and Barry Humphries himself who took the role of several characters including ‘Aunt Edna’ Everage.

12 Gene Pitney - Love Grows (Pye Intl 7N25624)

Gene Pitney’s chart career was definitely struggling by the time of this release. Both the singles before and after this, scraped into the Top 40, but this never made it.

13 Rick Nelson - Evil Woman Child (MCA MU1225)

Born Eric Nelson, he was known as Ricky Nelson in the late 50s when he was one of the first ‘rock’ Teen Idols, thanks to his appearances on American radio and TV. Changing his showbiz name to Rick and his musical style to a more country orientated sound, the hist began to dry up as the sixties progressed. A minor hit with ‘Garden Party’ in 1972 pushed him into releasing a variety of mixed genre releases including this atypical flop. He died at the age of 45 in a plane crash in 1985.

14 Earth Wind & Fire - Evil (CBS SCBS1792)

Formed in 1970, ‘Evil’ was their second US chart hit, reaching number 50. They were not so lucky in the UK where it took until 1977 before their long string of hits made them one of the most successful bands of all time.

15 Sister Sledge - Mama Never Told Me (Atlantic K10375)

Another group that had to wait for the hits to come were Sister Sledge. Formed from backing singers in 1971, this single was their first UK release, but it didn’t chart for another two years. It wasn’t until 1979’s “He’s The Greatest Dancer” reached the Top Ten before they had any more success either in the UK or the US.

16 Love Unlimited - Under The Influence Of Love (Pye Intl 7N25630)

Produced and managed by Barry White, it is somewhat surprising that this track never entered the UK chart and only reached a lowly 76 in the US.

17 Paris Connection - That Lady (Explosion EX2085)

Carlton Trout, a Jamaican Tailor, thought he’d try his hand at record production and worked with artist Jackie Paris to produce this intriguing cover of the Isley Brothers hit.

18 Jimmy Cliff - Fundamental Reggay (EMI 2065)

Jamaican, Cliff was going through a bit of a dry patch, chart wise, when he released this jolly little number.

19 Curtis Mayfield - Back To The World (Buddah 2011187)

Following the success of the soundtrack album ‘Superfly’, Mayfield released this political title track to very little response.

20 Denise La Salle - Trapped By A Thing Called Love (Westbound 6146105)

La Salle released her first single in 1967. This was her first US hit in 1971, but she had to wait until 1985 for her version of “Mt Toot Toot” to reach the Top 10 for her only UK hit.

21 Thelma Houston - Piano Man (MoWest MW3005)

Thelma Houston had been releasing singles since 1966, but it wasn’t until 1977 that she finally hit the Top 20 with “Don’t Leave Me This Way”, which was a number one in the US.

22 Reg Presley - 'S Down To You Marianne (CBS SCBS1748)

As lead singer with the Troggs, Reg Presley had a number of hits in the 60s, but his solo outings were not as successful. He did write two number one hits though, with the Troggs “With A Girl Like You” in 1966, and with 1994’s “Love Is All Around” by Wet Wet Wet.

23 Starbuck - Do You Like Boys (Bradleys BRAD312)

An appearance on ‘Lift Off with Ayshea’ did nothing to help this band into the charts.

24 Wei Wei Wong - Sing Song Boat (Dart ART2040)

Originally a member of the dance troupe The Young Generation, Wei Wei Wong attempted a singing career before becoming a regular hostess on TV’s ‘The Golden Shot’.

25 Imca Marina - Y Viva España (Columbia DB9016)

Imca Marina was a Dutch singer who scored many hits in her native Netherlands including this one, which was to be a UK hit in 1974 for Swedish singer Eva Sylvia Vrethammar or just Sylvia as she was known.

26 Rock Rebellion - Let's Go (Santa Posa PNS7)

Rock Rebellion were previously Screaming Lord Sutch’s backing band, and this was their only release.

27 Dave Clark And Friends - Sha Na Na Na (EMI 2082)

Long after the hits had dried up for 60s hit makers, the Dave Clark Five, Dave Clark was still releasing singles in the hope of another hit, including this cover of a Steam hit from 1970.

28 Jets - Yeah! (Cube BUG35)

Mike Craig and Kearon O'Conner thought they could cash-in on the Gary Glitter sound that was storming the charts…they couldn’t! (nothing to do with either of the 80s bands of the same name).

29 Barron Knights - Turning My Back On You (Penny Farthing PEN818)

Between their 60s novelty hits and their 70s novelty hits, the Barron Knights thought they would try serious pop music. The result speaks for itself.

30 Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Giddy Up A Ding Dong (Vertigo 6059091)

Releasing singles since 1964, it took until 1975 for SAHB to have a hit.

31 Incredible Bongo Band - Bongo Rock (MGM 2006161)

Artist Manager Michael Viner was asked to produce some tracks for the soundtrack to the movie ’The Thing With Two Heads’. To facilitate this, he invented the band and recorded a further two albums under the name that was made entirely of session musicians.

32 Springfield Revival - Riverboat Queen (Polydor 2058416)

Springfield Revival had appeared on TV shows with Morecambe & Wise, The Two Ronnies and Rolf Harris, they had toured the world with the Osmonds and appeared on the 45^th Academy Awards show, but never had a hit. Lead vocalist Donna Jones went on to form Pussyfoot, who also never had a hit. She also joined the New Seekers in 1979, one year after they had had their last hit.

33 Thieves - Ali Baba (RAK 160)

Even producer Mickie Most couldn’t help this one.

34 Les Humphries Singers - Kentucky Dew (Decca F13448)

English born Les Humphries formed this German group to form a pool of multi-ethnic singers as an alternative to James Last, several of whom went on to have substantial music career’s of their own. Jürgen Drews became quite popular as a solo artist in Germany, Linda Thompson joined Silver Convention, Liz Mitchell fronted Boney M and John Lawton fronted Uriah Heep

35 Blue Ridge Rangers - You Don't Owe Me (Fantasy FTC110)

On leaving Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Fogerty released the album ‘Blue Ridge Rangers’ without mention of his name. An album of country cover versions, this track didn’t actually appear on the album.

36 Gallagher And Lyle - Shine A Light (A&M AMS7087)

Benny Gallagher and Graham Lyle had hit the charts as part of McGuiness Flint with ‘When I’m Dead And Gone’, before they had their own couple of hits in 1976, ‘I Wanna Stay With You’ and ‘Heart On My Sleeve’.

37 Horslips - Dearg Doom (Oats OAT2)

By 1973, traditional Irish folk band Horslips, had changed their sound, and the ‘Dearg Doom’ reached number one in Germany, but unfortunately failed to reach the UK charts.

38 Max Bygraves - Party Singalong (Part 1) (EMI 2076)

This was originally released in 1956, and was re-issued to cash in on his popular TV show and his current hit ‘Deck Of Cards’ that did actually reach the Top 20.

39 Petula Clark And Sacha Distel - (Let The Love Light In Your Eyes) Lead Me On (Polydor 2058413)

Petula and Sacha often teamed up for duets on each others TV shows, but that didn’t help this track into the charts.

40 John Fox Orchestra - Sailing By (BBC RESL15)

Composed in 1963, this is a version of the theme that was used on BBC radio for the shipping forecast and played at 12:45 every night.

 

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Marilyn Monroe - River Of No Return

Vastly underrated as a singer, Marilyn Monroe had a unique gentleness to her voice that was often overlooked compared to the magnetism of her on-screen presence. I first came across this track (no pun intended) on an import album when I was working at HMV. The sleeve had a picture if Marilyn in the nude from her early modelling days, and was completely unrepresentative of the recordings on the LP, but that's how they sold records then! This track was lifted from the film of the same name that I now have in my complete collection of MM DVDs.

Ned Miller - From A Jack To A King

I had always quite liked this track, and was quite amazed to find it on the jukebox in the pub that I held my stag party in. At lunchtime, when I began drinking I thought it would be hilarious to play it continually, over and over again. By the time we moved onto the next pub, around 7 o'clock, you can imagine how fed up everyone else was with it? When my dear father picked me up from the gutter of a nearby petrol station in the early hours of the morning, I was still slurring my way through my own, tuneless, rendition of the track..."from loneliness to a wedding ring..."!!!

Matt Monro - My Kind Of Girl

The first single, I ever remember owning, for some reason I adored this track. Matt Monro had such an easy voice, and this track is so damned catchy. Many years later, it formed part of a 3CD set of matt Monro material that I created for Reader's Digest, a set that got many plaudits from fans and other customers.

Frank Ifield - Lovesick Blues

Another one of my earliest 7inch singles, this was on an EP along with the classic "She Taught Me To Yodel". They just don't write songs like this anymore!

Sandy Nelson - Let There Be Drums

I previously informed you of my early days as a drummer, and this is the track that inspired me. Sandy Nelson was such a great drummer in the 50s and 60s and I often performed my own version of this great track (although not to such a high standard!). Later I was also to be impressed by the likes of Keith Moon, Cozy Powell and many others, but for me, Sandy Nelson will always be the best.

Marcels - Blue Moon

For many years I believed that this was the number one single on the day I was born. I used to love singing along with the track, being particular proud of being able to keep up with the opening "ba ba ba ba" bit! Then a few years ago, I realised that the charts were listed as "week ending", so that the actual song that was number one the day I was born was 'On The Rebound' by Floyd Cramer. What a shock and disappointment! Not a bad track, but nowhere near as good as the Marcel's hit!

Jimmy Dean - Big Bad John

Another misapprehension that I had, was believing for many years that I had been named after this heroic tale of a mine worker giving his life to save his fellow workers. It was only when I discovered that the track didn't actually chart until five months after I was born, that I questioned my mother on this belief. "Oh no!", she said "you were named after your grandfather because you looked so little and scrawny when you were born!". Well that put me in my place!

Ricky Nelson - Hello Mary Lou

Another huge influence on early musical taste, and for many years it was my favourite track of all time. It's still up there, but I don't think it can hold onto the top place anymore. Ricky Nelson was an American 50s TV star who made it big when he moved into music. Later shortening his name to Rick Nelson, he became a huge artist in American Country music which, of course, killed off any chance he had of any further UK hits.

Hurricane Smith - Don't Let It Die

Memories of my Father's eight-track player spring to mind whenever I hear Hurricane Smith. A triple-hit-wonder, when I was ten, his recordings have been incredibly difficult to find over the years. Such an amazing voice though!

Neil Sedaka - Standing On The Inside

Please read my earlier blog on Stealer's Wheel's 'Stuck In The Middle' to understand why this track holds a place in my heart.

Elvis Costello - My Funny Valentine

When I first heard this recording, I couldn't believe how beautiful the song was. I also couldn't believe how old it was, or how many recordings had been made of it. It became my favourite song, when I realised that whoever performed it, it still remained great. Over the years I have collected any version of the song I could find, although there are many jazz versions, I also have punk, classical and disco versions. Costello's take is still my favourite.

Elvis Presley - My Boy

This is a great song, and I defy anybody not to be moved by the heart-wrenching tale of a father, staying with his wife for the sake of his son. (Nothing personal you understand). A few years back I was lucky enough to meet Bill Martin, who wrote this track, and many other hits for artists like Sandie Shaw (Puppet On A String), Cliff Richard (Congratulations), Slik (Forever And Ever) and the Bay City Rollers (Shang-A-Lang) as well as many others. He was a great guy and had many tales of the people he had met, and the places he had been. Not only that, but he paid for lunch too!

Doris Day - Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)

One of my earliest memories is that of sitting on my grandmother's knee as a child, while she sang this quaint old song, made famous by Doris Day. Slightly adapting the lyrics to "..just a little boy", this song was permanently etched into my consciousness.